Method of treating cancer with a composition containing a C12ORF59 protein

ABSTRACT

As explained hereinbefore, the C12orf59 gene of the present invention suppresses cancer cell invasion and inhibits cancer cell survivability, and the over-expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof inhibits cancer cell invasion, so that C12orf59 gene or a fragment thereof not only can be effectively used for the pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer but also can be used as a clinical marker for screening a cancer treatment agent candidate, for diagnosing various cancers or for predicting pathological stage. In addition, the C12orf59 gene or a fragment thereof of the present invention can be used for the method for preventing and treating cancer and for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2011/006584, filed Sep. 6, 2011, which claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0100845, filed Oct. 15, 2010, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0089601, filed Sep. 5, 2011. The entire contents of these prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The Sequence Listing is submitted as an ASCII text file in the form of the file named Squence_Listing.txt, which was created on Apr. 11, 2013 and is 9,549 bytes, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof, or a polynucleotide encoding the same as an active ingredient.

2. Description of the Related Art

C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) gene has been well kept in human, chimpanzee, dog, cow, mouse, rat, and chicken. Two isoforms of its nucleotide sequence have been reported (BC131523, 183a.a.; NM_(—)153022, 163a.a.). This protein has been presumed as a membrane protein considering the amino acid sequence thereof, but the function of this protein has not been disclosed, yet.

In some patent descriptions (WO2010/037859 and US 2009/0163435), the involvement of C12orf59 gene in cancer has been proposed, which is though only in relation to the gene expression regulation by the treatment of anti-cancer drug. Up to date, the expression regulation and function of C12orf59 gene involved in cancer have not been explained, yet.

Cancer is one of the toughest diseases threatening human health most, which is developed by a series of cell mutation in which cells are proliferated unlimitedly and uncontrollably and hence immortalized.

A variety of biochemical mechanisms in relation to cancer have been disclosed and hence therapeutic agents have also been developed. However, any fundamental treatment method for cancer has not been established, yet. Studies have been actively undergoing to identify various biomolecules involved in cancer and thereby to develop a drug targeting such molecules, and attempts have also been made to increase cancer treatment effect by utilizing the combination of developed drugs. Therefore, it can be said that the task to identify a target molecule involved in cancer is very important.

Colorectal cancer is a kind of incurable diseases which causes million illnesses every year over the world, among which 530,000 patients are killed. This disease increases so fast as to take the third place (12.7%) of total cancer cases in Korea, which seems to be partly attributed to aging and the change in dietary pattern. The recently developed anticancer agents that are effective in treating colorectal cancer are exemplified by fluoropyrimidines such as 5-FU, UFT and capecitabine (product name: XELODA); irinotecan (product name: CAMPTO); and oxaliplatin. Seven largest pharmaceutical markets including those in USA and Europe for colorectal cancer treatment agents amount to $900 million today, which is expected to grow fast to $7,800 million in 2017. However, there are always disadvantages of continuous use of these drugs, which are resistance and side effects. Therefore, it is requested to study further to develop a novel treatment agent.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which has been used as a marker for diagnosing colorectal cancer, is a kind of glycoproteins normally generated in the prebirth stage. The production of this protein is normally stopped before birth. If CEA level in adult is higher than that in a newborn baby, it presents the possibility of colorectal cancer or other cancers. However, the CEA level can be increased in liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and alcoholic pancreatitis patients and smokers as well. Therefore, the CEA level is used for diagnosing cancer supplementarily.

The present inventors have studied to develop a cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment agent, and as a result confirmed the expression of C12orf59 gene in cancer cell line. Particularly, when C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof was over-expressed in cancer cell line, ITGA5 expression involved in cancer cell invasion was decreased, indicating the reduction of cancer cell invasion. When C12orf59 gene expression was suppressed in colorectal cancer cell line, cancer cell invasion was increased and cancer cell survival was increased as well, leading to the activation of various cell signal transmission pathways. The above results indicate that C12orf59 gene has a function as a tumor suppressor. Therefore, the present inventors finally completed this invention by confirming that C12orf59 gene or protein can be effectively used for the pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer and for the method for screening cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment agent candidate substances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof or a cell containing the said vector as an active ingredient.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising an inducer inducing the expression or the activation of C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a method for diagnosing or monitoring cancer by using C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) gene as a marker.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for screening a cancer treatment agent candidate by measuring the expression of C12orf59 gene or the activity of C12orf59 (chromosome open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for treating cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof to a subject having cancer.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for preventing cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof to a subject.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for treating cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof or a cell containing the said vector to a subject having cancer.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for preventing cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof or a cell containing the said vector to a subject.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof for the preparation of an agent for preventing and treating cancer.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof or a cell containing the said vector for the preparation of an agent for preventing and treating cancer.

To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof or a cell containing the said vector as an active ingredient.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising an inducer inducing the expression or the activation of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient.

The present invention also provides a method for detecting a protein to provide information necessary for cancer diagnosis comprising the following steps:

1) measuring the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof in the sample originated from the subject of the experimental group;

2) comparing the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of step 1) with the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof in the sample originated from the normal subject of the control group; and

3) diagnosing high risk of cancer when the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof is lower than that of the control.

The present invention further provides a method for screening a cancer treatment agent candidate comprising the following steps:

1) treating the sample compound or composition to the cell line expressing C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof;

2) measuring the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof in the cell line treated in step 1); and

3) selecting the sample compound or composition as a target substance when the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof in the cell line of step 2) is increased, compared with that of the control not treated with the sample compound or composition.

The present invention also provides a method for screening a cancer treatment agent candidate comprising the following steps:

1) treating the sample compound or composition to C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof;

2) measuring the activity of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of step 1); and

3) selecting the sample compound or composition as a target substance when the activity of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of step 2) is increased, compared with that of the control not treated with the sample compound or composition.

The present invention also provides a method for treating cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof to a subject having cancer.

The present invention also provides a method for preventing cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof to a subject.

The present invention also provides a method for treating cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof, or a cell containing the said vector to a subject having cancer.

The present invention also provides a method for preventing cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof, or a cell containing the said vector to a subject.

The present invention also provides C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof for the preparation of an agent for preventing and treating cancer.

In addition, the present invention provides a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof, or a cell containing the said vector for the preparation of an agent for preventing and treating cancer.

Advantageous Effect

As explained hereinbefore, the C12orf59 gene of the present invention suppresses cancer cell invasion and inhibits cancer cell survival, and the over-expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof inhibits cancer cell invasion, so that C12orf59 gene or a fragment thereof not only can be effectively used for the pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer but also can be used as a clinical marker for screening a cancer treatment agent candidate, for diagnosing various cancers or for predicting pathological stage. In addition, the C12orf59 gene or a fragment thereof of the present invention can be used for the method for preventing and treating cancer and for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The application of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 a illustrates the expression of C12orf59 in 7 different colorectal cancer cell lines, confirmed by semiquantitative PCR.

FIG. 1 b illustrates the expression of C12orf59 in 2 different ovarian cancer cell lines and a colorectal cancer cell line, confirmed by semiquantitative PCR:

SKOV-3: ovarian cancer cell line;

IGROV-1: ovarian cancer cell line; and

SW480: colorectal cancer cell line.

FIG. 2 illustrates the expression of C12orf59 in HEK293E, lung cancer cell line A549, stomach cancer cell line AGS, KAT0111, MKN28, NC1-N87, SNU-216, SNU-638, SNU-668, SNU-719, and TMK1, confirmed by semiquantitative PCR.

FIG. 3 a illustrates the peptide epitope sequence for the construction of Poly-C12orf59 antibody:

The underlined third amino acid sequence indicates the peptide epitope for the construction of polyclonal antibody. C12orf159 isoform 1 (183 a.a.) is SEQ ID NO: 1 and C12orf159 isoform 2 (163 a.a.) is SEQ ID NO: 2.

FIG. 3 b illustrates the antigen specific binding capacity of the antibody constructed above:

HEK293 cells were transfected with pcDNA-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2 vectors. It was investigated by using cell lysates obtained from the above transformed cells whether or not the antibody could recognize C12orf59 protein;

Arrow: C12orf59 protein; and

Peptide: antigen specific binding capacity confirmed by using the antigen peptide as a blocking reagent.

FIG. 4 illustrates the location of C12orf59 protein in the cancer cell line where C12orf59 protein was over-expressed, which was observed under confocal microscope:

Left up: control, SW480 cell line transfected with pcDNA-myc vector;

Left down and right: SW480 cell line transfected with pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc vector;

White part near and inside of the cell membrane: green: C12orf59;

Round structures in the nucleus: DAPI: nucleus;

Border line around the cell: red: F-actin; and

Arrow: localization example of vivid C12orf59 of the cell surface.

FIG. 5 a illustrates the result of cancer cell invasion analysis, in which SW480 cell line was transfected with pcDNA-myc and the C12orf59 protein over-expression vectors pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc to over-express C12orf59 protein.

FIG. 5 b illustrates the result of counting the invaded cancer cells after over-expressing C12orf59 protein in SW480 cell line (*p<0.05, **p<0.001).

FIG. 6 a illustrates the changes of promoter activity of AP-1 cis element after over-expressing C12orf59 protein in SW480 cell line (*p<0.05).

FIG. 6 b illustrated the changes of promoter activity of ITGA5 after over-expressing C12orf59 protein in SW480 cell line (*p<0.05).

FIG. 7 a illustrates the AP-1 activity changes induced by the over-expression of C12orf59 protein in HCT-15 cell line transfected with pcDNA-myc and the C12orf59 protein over-expression vectors pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc (*p<0.05).

FIG. 7 b illustrates the result of Western blotting investigating the AP-1 activity change in HCT-15 cell line over-expressing C12orf59 protein.

FIG. 7 c illustrates the result of densitometry investigating the AP-1 activity change in HCT-15 cell line over-expressing C12orf59 protein.

FIG. 8 a illustrates the result of electrophoresis confirming the expression of C12orf59 gene in SW480 cell line introduced with C12orf59 siRNA.

FIG. 8 b illustrates the changes of cell morphology in SW480 cell line introduced with C12orf59 siRNA.

FIG. 8 c illustrates the result of cell invasion analysis with SW480 cell line introduced with C12orf59 siRNA (up: representative photograph; down: comparison result after counting).

FIG. 9 a illustrates the changes of cancer cell invasion measured by using HCT-15 cell line introduced with C12orf59 siRNA.

FIG. 9 b illustrates the result of counting the invaded cancer cells after suppressing the expression of C12orf59 in HCT-15 cell line (*p<0.05).

FIG. 10 illustrates the cell survival of SW480 cell line introduced with C12orf59 siRNA.

FIG. 11 illustrates the result of Western blotting confirming the changes of cell signal transmission pathways in SW480 cell line introduced with C12orf59 siRNA.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the inhibitory effect of the peptide of the present invention on the colorectal cancer cell invasion.

A: representative photograph;

B: mean value and standard deviation.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the changes of colorectal cancer cell survival by the treatment of the peptide of the present invention.

A: representative photograph;

B: OD values.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present invention is described in detail.

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient.

The said C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein preferably has the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the following amino acid sequences of 1)-3), but not always limited thereto:

1) amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2;

2) amino acid sequence represented by a part of the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2; and

3) amino acid sequence demonstrating at least 80% homology with the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2.

The cancer herein is preferably selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer, but not always limited thereto.

The fragment herein preferably has the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 27, NO: 28 or NO: 29, but not always limited thereto.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof or a cell containing the said vector as an active ingredient.

The said C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or the fragment thereof preferably has the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the following amino acid sequences of 1)-3), but not always limited thereto:

1) amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2;

2) amino acid sequence represented by a part of the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2; and

3) amino acid sequence demonstrating at least 80% homology with the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2.

The said vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof is preferably selected from the group consisting of linear DNA expressed in human or animal cells, plasmid vector, viral expression vector, and recombinant virus vector including recombinant retrovirus vector, recombinant adenovirus vector, recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, recombinant herpes simplex virus vector, and recombinant lentivirus vector, but not always limited thereto, and is more preferably selected from the group consisting of pSecTag-LK68, pLXSN-LK68, rAAV-LK68, and pAAV-LK68, but not always limited thereto.

The said cell containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof is preferably selected from the group consisting of hematopoietic stem cells, dendritic cells, autologous tumor cells, and established tumor cells, but not always limited thereto.

The cancer herein is preferably selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer, but not always limited thereto

The fragment herein preferably has the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 27, NO: 28 or NO: 29, but not always limited thereto.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer comprising an inducer inducing the expression or activation of C12orf59 protein as an active ingredient.

The cancer herein is preferably selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer, but not always limited thereto.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, total RNA was extracted from each cell line, followed by RT-PCR to confirm the expression of C12orf59 gene in colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and stomach cancer cell lines. As a result, the expression was confirmed in colo205, HCT-15, and SW480 cell lines among the colorectal cancer cell lines (see FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b), and the expression similar to those in the said colorectal cancer cell lines was confirmed in the stomach cancer cell lines KAT0111 and NC1-N87, which was the medium level expression. It was also confirmed that the expression was comparatively high in the lung cancer cell line A549 and the stomach cancer cell lines AGS, MKN28, and MKN45, while the expression was very low in the stomach cancer cell line TMK1 (see FIG. 2).

From the above results, it was confirmed that C12orf59 gene was expressed in two different isoforms in various cancer cell lines and the expression level was different according to the cell line.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, SW480 cell line was transfected with pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc vector containing pcDNA-myc and C12orf59 construct to induce over-expression of C12orf59 therein. The intracellular location of C12orf59 protein was detected by immunofluorescence. As a result, C12orf59 was confirmed to be expressed on the surface of cancer cell (see FIG. 4).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, SW480 cell line was transfected with the vectors containing pcDNA-myc and C12orf59 construct, which were pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc, followed by investigation of cancer cell invasion. As a result, it was confirmed that cancer cell invasion was decreased by the over-expression of C12orf59 (see FIG. 5 a and FIG. 5 b). SW480 cell line was also transfected with the vectors containing pcDNA-myc and C12orf59 construct, which were pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc, followed by investigation of the changes of promoter activity by luciferase assay. As a result, it was confirmed that the activities of AP-1 cis element and ITGA5 promoter were decreased by the over-expression of C12orf59 (see FIG. 6 a and FIG. 6 b). HCT-15 cell line was transfected with the vectors containing pcDNA-myc and C12orf59 construct, which were pcDNA-C12orf-sioform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc, and with AP-1 cis-element reporter, followed by investigation of AP-1 cis-element promoter activity by luciferase assay. As a result, it was confirmed that the cis-element AP-1 activity was decreased by C12orf59 protein (see FIG. 7 a). ITGA5 promoter region includes AP-1 site, and the transcription factor AP-1 induces ITGA5 expression (Corbi et al., FEBS Letters (2000) 474:201-207). Thus, the decrease of the transcription factor AP-1 activity is presumed to reduce ITGA5 expression. It is also presumed that integrin a5, a member of integrin family, which has been reported to be involved in cancer cell invasion and wound healing and to be highly expressed in those colorectal cancer cells demonstrating higher invasion ability rather than in those cells showing lower invasion ability, is playing a certain role in cancer cell migration and invasion. The present inventors then confirmed that C12orf59 protein inhibited cancer cell invasion by inhibiting the transcription factor AP-1 activity and by suppressing the expression of integrin a5 (ITGA5) in colorectal cancer cells.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 was transfected with C12orf59 specific siRNA, followed by investigation of intracellular C12orf59 expression and cell morphology changes. As a result, it was confirmed that the expression of C12orf59 was suppressed 48 hours after the introduction of C12orf59 specific siRNA in SW480 cell line (see FIG. 8 a). Morphological changes like cell diffusion and the formation of lamellipodia were also observed (see FIG. 8 b).

The above results confirmed that C12orf59 siRNA could inhibit the expression of C12orf59 in cancer cell line and the inhibition of C12orf59 expression caused morphological changes of cancer cells to have high mobility form.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, SW480 cell line was transfected with C12orf59 specific siRNA, and then cancer cell invasion and survival were investigated 48 hours after the transfection. As a result, it was confirmed that the inhibition of C12orf59 expression increased cancer cell invasion (see FIG. 8 c) and induced anoikis (apoptosis following loss cell anchorage)-resistance (see FIG. 10).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, HCT-15 cell line was transfected with C12orf59 specific siRNA, and then cancer cell invasion was investigated 48 hours after the transfection. As a result, it was confirmed that the inhibition of C12orf59 expression increased cancer cell invasion (see FIG. 9 a and FIG. 9 b).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the activation of cancer cell signal transmission pathway induced by C12orf59 specific siRNA was examined by Western blotting using cell lysates. As a result, it was confirmed that the phosphorylations of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK were all increased by C12orf59 specific siRNA in cancer cells (see FIG. 11), indicating that MAPK activation contributed to cancer cell invasion and survival induced by the inhibition of C12orf59 expression. In addition, the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29 was constructed from the extracellular amino acid sequence of C12orf59 isoform 1 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or C12orf59 isoform 2 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 2, followed by investigation of colorectal cancer cell invasion and survival. As a result, it was confirmed that colorectal cancer cell invasion was decreased by the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29, and colorectal cancer cell survival was also decreased thereby (see FIG. 12 and FIG. 13). From the above results, it was confirmed that the C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of the present invention inhibited cancer cell invasion. It was also confirmed that cancer cell invasion was increased and anoikis (apoptosis following loss of cell anchorage)-resistance was induced when the expression of C12orf59 was suppressed. Therefore, C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof or a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding the same or a cell containing the said vector can be effectively used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer.

The pharmaceutically effective dosage of the composition of the present invention can be determined by considering various factors such as administration method, target area, patient condition, etc. Thus, the dosage for human body has to be determined with the consideration of safety and efficiency at the same time. It is also possible to predict possible the effective dosage based on the effective dosage confirmed by animal test. Various factors that have to be considered for the determination of the effective dosage are described in the following articles: Hardman and Limbird, eds., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 10th ed. (2001), Pergamon Press; and E. W. Martin ed., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th ed. (1990), Mack Publishing Co.

The composition of the present invention can include any generally used carrier, diluent, excipient, or a combination of at least two of those. The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be any carrier that is able to deliver the composition of the present invention in human body without limitation, which is exemplified by the compounds described in Merck Index, 13^(th) ed., Merck & Co. Inc., such as saline, sterilized water, Ringer's solution, buffered saline, dextrose solution, maltodextrin solution, glycerol, ethanol, liposome and a mixture comprising one or more of those components. If necessary, a general additive such as antioxidant, buffer, and bacteriostatic agent can be additionally added. The composition of the present invention can be formulated in different forms including aqueous solutions, suspensions and emulsions for injection, pills, capsules, granules or tablets by mixing with diluents, dispersing agents, surfactants, binders and lubricants. The composition can further be prepared in suitable forms according to ingredients by following the method represented in Remington's Pharmaceutical Science (Mack Publishing Company, Easton Pa., 18th, 1990).

The composition of the present invention can include one or more effective ingredients having the same or similar function to C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof. The composition of the present invention preferably includes the protein by 0.0001-10 weight %, and more preferably by 0.001-1 weight % for the total weight of the composition, but not always limited thereto.

The composition of the present invention can be administered orally or parenterally (for example, intravenous, hypodermic, peritoneal or local injection). The effective dosage of the composition can be determined according to weight, age, gender, health condition, diet, administration frequency, administration method, excretion and severity of a disease. The dosage of the composition is 0.0001-10 mg/ml per day and preferably 0.0001-5 mg/ml per day, and administration frequency is once a day or preferably a few times a day.

It is preferred to include the vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof at the concentration of 0.05-500 mg and more preferably at the concentration of 0.1-300 mg. In the case of the recombinant virus containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof, it is preferred to include at the concentration of 10³-10¹² IU (10-10¹⁰ PFU) and more preferably at the concentration of 10⁵-10¹⁰ IU, but not always limited thereto.

In the case that the cell containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof is included, the composition preferably contains 10³-10⁸ cells and more preferably contains 10⁴-10⁷ cells, but not always limited thereto.

The composition of the present invention can contain a vector or a cell comprising the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient. At this time, the effective dosage of the vector is 0.05-12.5 mg/kg, the effective dosage of the recombinant virus is 10⁷-10¹¹ virus particles (10⁵-10⁹ IU)/kg, and the effective dosage of the cell is 10³-10⁶ cells/kg. Preferably, the effective dosage of the vector is 0.1-10 mg/kg, the effective dosage of the recombinant virus is 10⁸-10¹⁰ virus particles (10⁶-10⁸ IU)/kg, and the effective dosage of the cell is 10²-10⁵ cells/kg. The composition can be administered 2-3 times a day. The composition and the dosage thereof are not always limited to the above, and can be changed according to the patient's condition and the progress of disease.

The present invention also provides a method for detecting a protein to provide information necessary for cancer diagnosis comprising the following steps:

1) measuring the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof in the sample originated from the subject of the experimental group;

2) comparing the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of step 1) with the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof in the sample originated from the normal subject of the control group; and

3) diagnosing high risk of cancer when the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof is lower than that of the control.

In the method for detecting a protein to provide information necessary for cancer diagnosis, the C12orf59 expression of step 1) is preferably measured by one of the methods selected from the group consisting of Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemical staining, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence, but not always limited thereto.

The said C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or the fragment thereof preferably has the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the following amino acid sequences of 1)-3), but not always limited thereto:

1) amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2;

2) amino acid sequence represented by a part of the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2; and

3) amino acid sequence demonstrating at least 80% homology with the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2.

The fragment herein preferably has the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 27, NO: 28 or NO: 29, but not always limited thereto.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the expression of C12orf59 was confirmed in colon cancer, lung cancer, and stomach cancer cell lines. When C12orf59 was over-expressed in SW480 and HCT-15 cell lines by transfecting the cell lines with C12orf59 vector, the expression of ITGA5 involved in cancer cell invasion was reduced, indicating the decrease of cancer cell invasion ability. When the expression of C12orf59 was suppressed by treating SW480 cell line with C12orf59 siRNA, not only cancer cell invasion and cancer cell survival were increased but also intracellular signal transmission pathway was activated. When the expression of C12orf59 was suppressed by treating HCT-15 cell line with C12orf59 siRNA, cancer cell invasion ability was increased. In addition, the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29 was constructed from the extracellular amino acid sequence of C12orf59 isoform 1 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or C12orf59 isoform 2 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 2, followed by investigation of colorectal cancer cell invasion and survival. As a result, it was confirmed that colorectal cancer cell invasion was decreased by the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29, and colorectal cancer cell survival was also decreased thereby.

From the above results, it was confirmed that the C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of the present invention inhibited cancer cell invasion, decreased cancer cell survival under the condition of cell-anchorage loss, and had a function as a tumor suppressor. Therefore, the C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of the present invention can be effectively used to provide information for cancer diagnosis and for the method for detecting the protein to diagnose the risk of cancer by measuring the expression thereof.

The present invention also provides a method for screening a cancer treatment agent candidate comprising the following steps:

1) treating the sample compound or composition to the cell line expressing C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof;

2) measuring the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof in the cell line treated in step 1); and

3) selecting the sample compound or composition as a target substance when the expression of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof in the cell line of step 2) is increased, compared with that of the control not treated with the sample compound or composition.

The said C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or the fragment thereof preferably has the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the following amino acid sequences of 1)-3), but not always limited thereto:

1) amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2;

2) amino acid sequence represented by a part of the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2; and

3) amino acid sequence demonstrating at least 80% homology with the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2.

The fragment herein preferably has the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 27, NO: 28 or NO: 29, but not always limited thereto.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the expression of C12orf59 was confirmed in cancer cell lines. When C12orf59 was over-expressed in SW480 and HCT-15 cell lines by transfecting the cell lines with the vector expressing C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof, the expression of ITGA5 involved in cancer cell invasion was reduced, indicating the decrease of cancer cell invasion ability. When the expression of C12orf59 was suppressed by treating SW480 cell line with C12orf59 siRNA, not only cancer cell invasion and cancer cell survival were increased but also intracellular signal transmission pathway was activated. When the expression of C12orf59 was suppressed by treating HCT-15 cell line with C12orf59 siRNA, cancer cell invasion ability was increased. In addition, the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29 was constructed from the extracellular amino acid sequence of C12orf59 isoform 1 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or C12orf59 isoform 2 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 2, followed by investigation of colorectal cancer cell invasion and survival. As a result, it was confirmed that colorectal cancer cell invasion was decreased by the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29, and colorectal cancer cell survival was also decreased thereby.

From the above results, it was confirmed that the C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of the present invention inhibited cancer cell invasion, decreased cancer cell survival under the condition of cell-anchorage loss, and had a function as a tumor suppressor. Therefore, the C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of the present invention can be effectively used for screening of a cancer treatment agent candidate.

The present invention also provides a method for screening a cancer treatment agent candidate comprising the following steps:

1) treating the sample compound or composition to C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof;

2) measuring the activity of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of step 1); and

3) selecting the sample compound or composition as a target substance when the activity of C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of step 2) is increased, compared with that of the control not treated with the sample compound or composition.

The said C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or the fragment thereof preferably has the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the following amino acid sequences of 1)-3), but not always limited thereto:

1) amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2;

2) amino acid sequence represented by a part of the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2; and

3) amino acid sequence demonstrating at least 80% homology with the sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or NO: 2.

The fragment herein preferably has the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 27, NO: 28 or NO: 29, but not always limited thereto.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the expression of C12orf59 was confirmed in cancer cell lines. When C12orf59 was over-expressed in SW480 and HCT-15 cell lines by transfecting the cell lines with the vector expressing C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof, the expression of ITGA5 involved in cancer cell invasion was reduced, indicating the decrease of cancer cell invasion ability. When the expression of C12orf59 was suppressed by treating SW480 cell line with C12orf59 siRNA, not only cancer cell invasion cancer cell survival were increased but also intracellular signal transmission pathway was activated. When the expression of C12orf59 was suppressed by treating HCT-15 cell line with C12orf59 siRNA, cancer cell invasion ability was increased. In addition, the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29 was constructed from the extracellular amino acid sequence of C12orf59 isoform 1 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or C12orf59 isoform 2 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 2, followed by investigation of colorectal cancer cell invasion and survival. As a result, it was confirmed that colorectal cancer cell invasion was decreased by the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29, and colorectal cancer cell survival was also decreased thereby.

From the above results, it was confirmed that the C12orf59 protein of the present invention inhibited cancer cell invasion, decreased cancer cell survival under the condition of cell-anchorage loss, and had a function as a tumor suppressor. Therefore, the C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of the present invention can be effectively used for the screening of a cancer treatment agent candidate.

The present invention also provides a method for treating cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof to a subject having cancer.

The present invention also provides a method for preventing cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof to a subject.

The present invention also provides a method for treating cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof, or a cell containing the said vector to a subject having cancer.

The present invention also provides a method for preventing cancer containing the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof, or a cell containing the said vector to a subject.

The cancer herein is preferably selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer, but not always limited thereto.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it was confirmed that when C12orf59 was over-expressed in the colorectal cancer cell lines SW480 and HCT-15 by transfecting the cell lines with the vector expressing C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof, the expression of ITGA5 involved in cancer cell invasion was reduced, indicating the decrease of cancer cell invasion ability. When the expression of C12orf59 was suppressed by using C12orf59 siRNA, not only cancer cell invasion and cancer cell survival were increased but also intracellular signal transmission pathway was activated. In addition, the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29 was constructed from the extracellular amino acid sequence of C12orf59 isoform 1 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 or C12orf59 isoform 2 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 2, followed by investigation of colorectal cancer cell invasion and survival. As a result, it was confirmed that colorectal cancer cell invasion was decreased by the peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 28 or NO: 29, and colorectal cancer cell survival was also decreased thereby.

From the above results, it was confirmed that the C12orf59 protein of the present invention has a function as a tumor suppressor. Therefore, the C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of the present invention can be effectively used for the method for preventing or treating cancer by administering a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof or a cell containing the said vector to a subject either having cancer or not.

The composition for preventing or treating cancer of the present invention can be administered orally or parenterally (for example, intravenous, hypodermic, peritoneal or local injection). The effective dosage of the composition can be determined according to weight, age, gender, health condition, diet, administration frequency, administration method, excretion and severity of a disease. The preferable dosage of the protein of the present invention is 0.738 μg-7.38 g for 60 kg adult male (FDA standard, USA), and more preferably 7.38 μg-0.738 g (12.3 mpk). The administration is preferably performed once every other day, but not always limited thereto and can be differed by patients.

The present invention also provides C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof for the preparation of an agent for preventing and treating cancer.

In addition, the present invention provides a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof, or a cell containing the said vector for the preparation of an agent for preventing and treating cancer.

The cancer herein is preferably selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer, but not always limited thereto

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, C12orf59 protein was over-expressed by using a vector containing the polynucleotide encoding C12orf59 (chromosome 12 open reading frame 59) protein or a fragment thereof. The over-expressed C12orf59 protein in cancer cell line inhibited the activity of transcription factor AP-1 involved in cancer cell invasion, and further inhibited the expression of integrin a5 (ITGA5), suggesting that the protein inhibited cancer cell invasion. Therefore, it was confirmed that the protein or a fragment thereof of the present invention can be effectively used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer.

Practical and presently preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrative as shown in the following Examples, Experimental Examples and Manufacturing Examples.

However, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, on consideration of this disclosure, may make modifications and improvements within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Example 1 Culture of Cancer Cell Lines

WiDr and Caco-2 cell lines were cultured in MEM (minimal essential medium: GIBCO, USA) containing 10% FBS (fetal bovine serum: GIBCO, USA), penicillin-streptomycin, L-glutamine, sodium pyruvate, and nonessential amino acids.

HCT116, HT29, Colo205, SW480, SW620, HCT15, SK-OV-3, and IGROV-1 cell lines were cultured in RPMI1640 (GIBCO, USA) containing 10% FBS, penicillin-streptomycin, L-glutamine, and sodium pyruvate. HEK293E (Human Embryonic Kidney 293E) cell line was cultured in DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium: GIBCO, USA) containing 10% FBS, penicillin-streptomycin, L-glutamine, sodium pyruvate, and glucose.

The lung cancer cell line A549 and the stomach cancer cell line AGS, KATOIII, MKN28, MKN45, NCI-N87, SNU-216, SNU-638, SNU-668, SNU-719, and TMK1 were cultured in RPMI1640 (GIBCO, USA) containing 10% FBS, penicillin-streptomycin, L-glutamine, and sodium pyruvate.

MKN28, MKN45, SNU-216, SNU-638, SNU-668, and SNU-719 cell lines were provided from Korean Cell Line Bank (Seoul), and TMK1 was provided from professor Park of Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital (Chonnam, Korea). Other cell lines were provided from ATCC and all the cell lines were cultured at 37° C. with 5% CO₂.

Example 2 Confirmation of C12orf59 Gene Expression in Cancer Cell Line

To confirm the expression of C12orf59 gene in cancer cell line, total RNA was extracted by using TRIZOL (Invitrogen) from the various cell lines cultured under the conditions described in <Example 1>. Then, RT-PCR was performed with the total RNA.

Particularly, RT-PCR was performed as described in the Table 1. The primer sequences were as follows: the forward primer: 5′-cagccctgctgtatttcatcc-3′ (SEQ. ID. NO: 3), and the reverse primer: 5′-ggccaaacaccgactgcag-3′ (SEQ. ID. NO: 4). cDNA was synthesized from 1 μg RNA by using cDNA synthesis pre-mix kit (cat. K-2046, Bioneer, Korea).

TABLE 1 RT-PCR conditions C12orf59_PCR Template (cDNA) 3 ul Forward primer (10 pmol/ul) 1 ul Reverse primer (10 pmol/ul) 1 ul dNTP (2.5 mM) 2 ul 10× Buffer 2 ul h-taq.pol (Solgent, SHT06-R250) 0.2 ul   DW 10.8 ul   total 20 ul 

In the meantime, as for the internal control of PCR, beta-actin was used. At this time, the primers used were as follows: the forward primer: 5′-GCTCGTCGTCGACAACGGCTC-3′ (SEQ. ID. NO: 5) and the reverse primer: 5′-CAAACATGATCTGGGTCATCTTCTC-3′ (SEQ. ID. NO: 6). The obtained PCR product was electrophoresed on 2% agarose gel, or 5% or 8% polyacrylamide gel to confirm the expression.

As a result, 297 by (isoform 1 (183 a.a)) and 253 by isoform 2 (163 a.a)) DNA fragments were amplified, according to the isoforms of C12orf59 gene. The expression was confirmed in the colon cancer cell lines Colo205 (low expression), HCT-15 (high expression), and SW480 (medium expression) (FIGS. 1 a and 1 b). In every cell line, 183 a.a isoform was comparatively highly expressed.

The expression was also detected in the stomach cancer cell lines KATOIII and NCI-N87, which was also medium level expression similar to that in the colorectal cancer cell line SW480. The expression level was comparatively high in the lung cancer cell line A549, the stomach cancer cell lines AGS, MKN28, and MKN45. In the meantime, the expression level was very low in the stomach cancer cell line TMK1 (FIG. 2). The expression level of 163 a.a isoform was comparatively high in the lung cancer cell line A549 and the stomach cancer cell lines MKN45 and NC1-N87.

From the above results, it was confirmed that C12orf59 gene was expressed in two different isoforms in various cancer cell lines, and the expression level was varied from each cell line.

Example 3 Construction of C12orf59 Expression Vector

Vectors in a variety forms were constructed by inserting C12orf59 gene therein in order to investigate the effect of C12orf59 expression in cancer cell lines.

Particularly, the amino acid residing next to myc in pcDNA3.1-myc his A vector (Invitrogen) sequence was selectively mutated to stop codon by using site-directed mutagenesis (QUIKCHANGE II site-directed mutagenesis kit, Stratagene). Then, PCR was performed with the vector using the primers listed in Table 2 under the condition described in Table 3. Two kinds of isoforms of C12orf59 (UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot; Q4KMG9-1 (183a.a isoform 1) and Q4KMG9-2 (163a.a isoform 2)) and 66 a.a form, the amino acids ranging 1^(st) amino acid to 66^(th) of 183 a.a isoform 1 where cytoplasmic domain was eliminated, were subcloned by using XhoI/HindIII. Subcloning was performed to insert stop codon right next to 183 a.a isoform1, 163 a.a isoform 2, and 66 a.a form in order to express C12orf59 protein that was designed not to express myc protein.

TABLE 2 SEQ Template PrimerSequence Name ID Site-directed pcDNA3.1- A1037T & F 5′-ctcagaagaggatctgtaaagcgccgtcgaccatc-3′ pcDNA-myc 13 mutagenesis myc-his T1039A R 5′-gatggtcgacggcgctttacagatcctcttctgag-3′ 14 A PCR C12orf59- 183a.a F 5′-aacatctcgaggccgccatgggagtccgagttcat-3′ pcDNA-C12orf59- 15 183a.a isoform-myc R 5′-aattcaagcttgttccaagagtcaactattcg-3′ isoform1-myc 16 isoform1 66a.a F 5′-aacatctcgaggccgccatgggagtccgagttcat-3′ pcDNA-C120rf59- 17 form-myc R 5′-aattcaagcttgcggaagcacagggac-3′ isoform1del-myc 18 183a.a F 5′-aacatctcgaggccgccatgggagtccgagttcat-3′ pcDNA-C12orf59- 19 isoform- R 5′-aattcaagctttcagttccaagagtcaactattcg-3′ isoform1 20 stop C12orf59- 163a.a F 5′-aacatctcgaggccgccatgtcgtggcggcctc-3′ pcDNA-C12orf59- 21 163a.a isoform-myc R 5′-aattcaagcttgttccaagagtcaactattcg-3′ isoform2-myc 22 isoform2 163a.a F 5′-aacatctcgaggccgccatgtcgtggcggcctc-3′ pcDNA-C12orf59- 23 isoform- R 5′-aattcagctttcagttccaagagtcaactattcg-3′ isoform2 24 stop

TABLE 3 Site-directed mutagenesis Template (10 ng/ul) 2 ul Primer-F (125 ng) 1.1 ul   Primer-R (125 ng) 1.1 ul   10× buffer 5 ul dNTP (2.5 mM) 2 ul 1-pfu (intron_2S181) 1 ul DW 37.8 ul   Total 50 ul 

PCR Template 1 ul Primer-F (10 pmol/ul) 2 ul Primer-R (10 pmol/ul) 2 ul 10× buffer 5 ul dNTP (2.5 mM) 4 ul 1-pfu (intron_2S181) 1 ul DW 35 ul  Total 50 ul 

As a result, the recombinant vectors containing C12orf59 expression construct in pcDNA-myc his A, which were pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2, were constructed.

Example 4 Construction of Integrin α5 Promoter-Reporter

For promoter reporter assay, integrin α5 promoter-reporter construct was prepared.

Particularly, to amplify human integrin α5 promoter region of the colon cancer cell line SW480 genomic DNA, PCR was performed with the primers 5′-CCGCTCGAGGAGCTGAAGGTTGGGTCC-3′ (SEQ. ID. NO: 25) and 5′-CCGCTCGAGCCGTCTGTTCCCGGC-3′ (SEQ. ID. NO: 26). The amplified product obtained from the PCR, integrin alpha5 promoter region, was digested with XhoI, which was inserted in pGL3 basic vector (Promega, Southampton, UK), leading to the construction of integrin α5 promoter-reporter construct.

Example 5 Construction of Poly-C12orf59 Antibody and Confirmation of the Effect Thereof

To detect the expressed C12orf59, C12orf59 specific antibody was order-made by Young In Frontier.

Particularly, polyclonal antibody was prepared by immunizing a rabbit with one of three epitopes (the 3^(rd) underlined amino acid sequence of FIG. 3 a) highly usable for antibody construction (Young In Frontier) (FIG. 3). Western blotting was performed to confirm the prepared antibody.

Particularly, HEK293E cells were transfected with the vectors constructed in Example 3 (pcDNA-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform 1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform 1, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform 2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform 2 by using PEI reagent. 48 hours later, the cells were lysed by using RIPA buffer (10 mM Tris, pH7.2, 150 mM NaCl, 1% deoxycholate, 1% Triton X-100, 0.1% SDS, 1 mM sodium orthovanadate, 50 mM NaF, 1 mM PMSF, complete protease inhibitor). The proteins in the obtained cell lysate were quantified. 30 μg of the cell lysate quantified above was mixed with SDS sample buffer, which was heated, followed by electrophoresis on 18% SDS-PAGE gel. The protein isolated by the electrophoresis was transferred onto nitrocellulose membrane, followed by blocking with 5% skim milk. The membrane was reacted with the prepared antibody (primary antibody, 1:2000). Then, the membrane was reacted with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody (Bio-rad, USA). Antibody/antigen affinity was analyzed using ECL kit (ECL Plus, Amersham, USA) according to the manufacturer's instruction.

As a result, it was confirmed that the two kinds of antibodies (Rabbit #1, and Rabbit #2) obtained from two rabbits did recognize clearly C12orf59 protein in the cell lysate expressing the protein (FIG. 3 b, left panel, arrow). The confirmed band disappeared after the blocking using the antigen peptide blocking reagent used for the construction of antibody (FIG. 3 b, right panel), indicating that the band was C12orf59 protein-specific. Therefore, it was confirmed that the order-made antibody was C12orf59 antibody specifically recognizing C12orf59 protein.

Experimental Example 1 Effect of C12orf59 Over-Expression in Cancer Cell Line

<1-1> Confirmation of C12orf59 Location in Cancer Cell Line

To confirm the location of C12orf59 in cancer cell line, the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 was transfected with pcDNA-myc and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc by microporation (NEON Transfection System, Invitrogen).

Particularly, SW480 cells were recovered, followed by washing with PBS. The cells were resuspended in R buffer (NEON Transfection System, Invitrogen) at the density of 3×10⁵ cell/10 μl, to which pcDNA-myc and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc vector DNAs, leading to the transfection using microporation (NEON Transfection System, Invitrogen). The cells were attached on cover slips. 48 hours later, the attached cells were fixed with 3.7% paraformaldehyde diluted in PBS, followed by washing three times with PBS. The cells were reacted with 0.3% Triton-X-100, followed by washing three times. The cells were blocked with 10% normal Goat serum, followed by reaction with C12orf59 antibody (1:500, Young In Frontier). Then, the cells were reacted with fluorescein-labeled secondary antibody (Vector lab, USA). F-actin and nucleus were stained, followed by observation under confocal microscope.

As a result, C12orf59 protein was confirmed to exist on the cell surface (FIG. 4), which was attributed to transmembrane domain in the amino acid sequence of C12orf59.

<1-2> Changes of Cancer Cell Invasion Ability by C12orf59 Over-Expression

To investigate the changes of cancer cell invasion ability induced by C12orf59 over-expression in cancer cell lines, the colon cancer cell line SW480 was transfected with pcDNA-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc, followed by invasion assay 48 hours later.

Particularly, the porous membrane of 24-well transwell plate (8 μm pore size; Costar, USA) was coated with 100 μl of MATRIGEL (BD Biosciences, USA) diluted in serum free medium at the concentration of 200 μg/ml for invasion assay, which stood at room temperature for 1 hour for fixing. The lower chamber of the transwell plate was coated with 100 μl of collagen type I (Sigma) at the concentration of 20 μg/ml for migration and invasion assay. The transformed cells transfected with pcDNA-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc by microporation as described in Experimental Example <1-1> were distributed in the upper chamber of the said 24-well transwell plate at the density of 2.5×10⁴ and 3×10⁴ cells respectively. Culture was performed at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ for 48 hours to let the cells migrate from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. The non-migrated cells were eliminated from the surface of the upper chamber. The cells migrated to the lower chamber were fixed with 3.7% paraformaldehyde dissolved in PBS, followed by staining with 2% crystal violet solution. The excessive crystal violet solution was washed off with distilled water. The selected area (×100) was photographed. The number of the cells migrated and invaded was counted from 5 different selected areas. The experiment was duplicated with the same condition to make sure the results. Data reflected migrated cells±standard error at ×200 HPF (high power field).

As a result, the transformed cells prepared by introducing pcDNA-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc into SW480 cell line demonstrated reduced cancer cell invasion ability when C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof was expressed therein, except the control cell line transfected with pcDNA-myc vector (FIGS. 5 a and 5 b), indicating that C12orf59 could efficiently inhibit cancer cell invasion.

<1-3> Inhibition of Integrin Expression by C12orf59 Over-Expression in Cancer Cell Line

It is well-known that the promoter region of integrin alpha 5 (ITGA5) includes AP-1 site and the transcription factor AP-1 induces ITGA5 expression. Therefore, decrease of the AP-1 activity can reduce the expression of ITGA5. ITGA5 has been known to be involved in cancer cell invasion and wound healing, and is up-regulated in colorectal cancer cells having high invasion ability, compared with them having low invasion ability. It has been reported that ITGA5 contributes to migration and invasion of cancer cells. Therefore, the present inventors investigated whether the decrease of cancer cell invasion by C12orf59 over-expression was attributed to ITGA5 known to be involved in cancer cell migration and invasion.

To do so, the C12orf59 over-expression vector, the reporter vector (Integrin α5 promoter-reporter, ITGA5 promoter-reporter), and the AP-1 cis element vector (AP-1 cis-Reporting system, Stratagene) were expressed in the colorectal cancer cell line SW480. Then, the activity of each promoter therein was investigated by luciferase assay.

Particularly, 2.5×10⁵ SW480 cells were distributed in 6-well plate, followed by transfection with 1.8 μg of pcDNA-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, and pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc along with 2 μg of reporter plasmid DNA prepared in Example 4 by using LIPOFECTAMINE 2000 reagent (invitrogen). 48 hours after the transfection, luciferase activity was measured by DUAL-LUCIFERASE reporter assay system (Promega). Transfection efficiency was measured by using Renilla luciferase activity value measured after co-transfection with 0.2 μg of Renila luciferase vector and pRL-TK (Promega).

As a result, in the cell line introduced with C12orf59 protein, AP-1 cis element and ITGA5 promoter altogether, the activities of AP-1 cis element and ITGA5 promoter were inhibited by C12orf59 over-expression and the inhibition was most peculiar with the vector pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc (FIGS. 6 a and 6 b).

The colon cancer cell line HCT-15 was also transfected with pcDNA-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform2-myc, pcDNA-C12orf59-isoform1del-myc, and AP-1 cis element (AP-1 cis-Reporting system, Stratagene) reporter vector by using LIPOFECTAMINE 2000 reagent by the same manner as described above. 48 hours after the transfection, the activity of AP-1 cis element promoter was confirmed by luciferase assay.

As a result, it was confirmed that the activity of the transcription factor AP-1 was reduced in HCT-15 cell line by the expression of C12orf59 (FIG. 7 a) and the phosphorylation level of c-jun, one of major components of AP-1, was also reduced (FIGS. 7 b and 7 c).

From the above results, it was confirmed that the inhibition of cell invasion by C12orf59 in cancer cell line was attributed to the suppression of the transcription factor AP-1 activity and the inhibition of integrin α5 expression.

Experimental Example 2 Inhibition of C12orf59 Expression in Cancer Cell Line

<2-1> Changes of Cell Morphology in Cancer Cell Line by the Inhibition of C12orf59 Expression

To investigate the relation of the inhibition of C12orf59 expression and morphological changes in cancer cell line, the colon cancer cell line SW480 was transfected with C12orf59 specific siRNA by electroporation, followed by observation of changes in

C12orf59 expression and cell morphology in the cancer cell line.

Particularly, SW480 cells were harvested, followed by washing with PBS. The cells were resuspended in R buffer at the density of 3×10⁵ cells/12 μl, to which 2 μl of 40 μM siRNA was added, followed by transfection using electroporation (NEON Transfection System, Invitrogen). To confirm the inhibition of the expression, RT-PCR was performed. At this time, the C12orf59 specific siRNA was purchased from Dharmacon Co. (4 different mixtures) and the 4 target sequences are as shown in the below:

(SEQ. ID. NO: 7) 5′-GGG UAC AUC UCU GGU AUA U-3′, (SEQ. ID. NO: 8) 5′-UCA CAU CUC UGC AGU CGG U-3′, (SEQ. ID. NO: 9) 5′-GAA UAG UUG ACU CUU GGA A-3′, and (SEQ. ID. NO: 10) 5′-GGU UCU UAC UCU UCG UUC A-3′.

Cell morphology was observed 48 hours after the transfection with C12orf59 siRNA. Cell shape was observed and photographed under Olympus microscope at 100×. Photographs were compared and analyzed.

As a result, it was confirmed that the expression of C12orf59 was inhibited 48 hours after the introduction of C12orf59 specific siRNA (Dharmacon) in SW480 cell line (FIG. 8 a). Morphological changes like cell diffusion and the formation of lamellipodia were also observed (FIG. 8 b).

Therefore, it was confirmed that the expression of C12orf59 in cancer cell line was inhibited by C12orf59 specific siRNA and the inhibition of C12orf59 expression resulted in the changes in cancer cell morphology into the typical form that was highly apt to migrate.

<2-2> Cancer Cell Invasion Ability Affected by the Inhibition of C12orf59 Expression in Cancer Cell Line

To analyze cancer cell invasion ability affected by the inhibition of C12orf59 expression in cancer cell line, SW480 cell line was transfected with C12orf59 specific siRNA (Dharmacon) and the control siRNA (sense strand: 5′-CUU ACG CUG AGU ACU UCG ATT-3′ (SEQ. ID. NO: 11), anti-sense strand: 5′-UCG AAG UAC UCA GCG UAA GTT-3′ (SEQ. ID. NO: 12), Samchully Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Korea), followed by invasion assay 48 hours later.

Particularly, the porous membrane of 24-well transwell plate (8 μm pore size; Costar, USA) was coated with 100 μl of MATRIGEL (BD Biosciences, USA) diluted in serum free medium at the concentration of 250 μg/ml, which stood at room temperature for 1 hour for fixing. The lower part of the transwell plate was coated with 100 μl of collagen type I (Sigma) at the concentration of 20 μg/ml. The said collagen type I was used as a chemoattractant. 3×10⁴ SW480 cells resuspended in serum free medium were distributed in the upper chamber of the said 24-well transwell plate, followed by culture at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ for 48 hours, during which the cells were induced to migrate from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. The non-migrated cells were eliminated from the surface of the upper chamber. The cells migrated to the lower chamber were fixed with 3.7% paraformaldehyde dissolved in PBS, followed by staining with 2% crystal violet solution. The excessive crystal violet solution was washed off with distilled water. The selected area (×200) was photographed. The number of the cells migrated was counted from 5 different selected areas. The experiment was duplicated with the same condition to make sure the results. Data reflected migrated cells±standard error at ×200 HPF (high power field).

As a result, the inhibition of C12orf59 expression resulted in the increase of cancer cell invasion (FIG. 8 c), indicating that the inhibition of C12orf59 expression in cancer cell line induced cancer cell morphological changes, increased cell migration, and hence increased cancer cell invasion ability.

The colon cancer cell line HCT-15 was also transfected with C12orf59 specific siRNA (Samchully Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Korea) by microporation. 48 hours later, the experiment using collagen and trans-well coated with MATRIGEL was performed by the same manner as described above. As a result, it was confirmed that cancer cell invasion was increased by the inhibition of C12orf59 expression in HCT-15 cell line (FIGS. 9 a and 9 b).

<2-3> Investigation of Cancer Cell Survival Affected by the Inhibition of C12orf59 Expression in Cancer Cell Line

To investigate whether or not the inhibition of C12orf59 expression could affect cancer cell survival, cell survival rate was measured under the anchorage independent condition.

Particularly, 100 μl of poly-HEMA (Sigma) at the concentration of 12 mg/ml was loaded in 96-well plate, which stood in clean bench for 1 day, followed by drying. On the next day, the plate was coated with Poly-HEMA once again, to which siRNA was transferred. 48 hours later, the cells were diluted at the density of 1×10⁴, followed by plating in each well by 100 μl. At that time, serum free medium was used. 72 hours later, 10 μl of CCK-8 reagent (Dojindo cat. CK04-13) was added to each well, followed by reaction for 3 hours to induce color development. Then, OD₄₅₀ was measured to investigate cell survival.

As a result, it was confirmed that cancer cell survival was increased when C12orf59 siRNA was treated to inhibit the expression of C12orf59, compared with when the control siRNA was treated (FIG. 10). Therefore, it was confirmed that the inhibition of C12orf59 expression induced anoikis (apoptosis following loss of cell anchorage)-resistance.

<2-4> Activation of Signal Transmission Pathway by the Inhibition of C12orf59 Expression in Cancer Cell Line

To investigate the activation of cell signal transmission pathway by C12orf59 siRNA in cancer cell line, the colon cancer cell line SW480 was transfected with C12orf59 specific siRNA. 48 hours later, the cell lysate was obtained, and Western blotting was performed using the same.

Particularly, the cells were lysed with RIPA buffer (10 mM Tris, pH7.2, 150 mM NaCl, 1% deoxycholate, 1% Triton X-100, 0.1% SDS, 1 mM sodium orthovanadate, 50 mM NaF, 1 mM PMSF, complete protease inhibitor) and the cell lysate was quantified by modified Bradford assay (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif.). 30 μg of the obtained cell lysate was mixed with SDS sample buffer, which was heated, followed by electrophoresis on 8% SDS-PAGE gel. The protein isolated on SDS-PAGE gel through electrophoresis was transferred onto nitrocellulose membrane, followed by blocking with 5% skim milk. The membrane was reacted with anti-beta-actin antibody (1:1000, Santa Cruz), anti-phosphorylated-ERK1/2 antibody, anti-ERK1/2 antibody, anti-phosphorylated-p38 antibody, anti-p38 antibody, anti-phosphorylated-JNK antibody, and anti-JNK antibody (1:1000, Cell signaling technology) as primary antibodies. Then, the membrane was reacted with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody, followed by color development by using ECL kit (ECL Plus, Amersham, USA) according to the manufacturer's instruction.

As a result, it was confirmed that the phosphorylations of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK were all increased by the inhibition of C12orf59 expression (FIG. 11), suggesting that MAPK activation contributed to cancer cell invasion and cancer cell survival induced by the inhibition of C12orf59 expression.

Experimental Example 3 Effect of C12orf59 Isoform Originated Peptide

<3-1> Design and Construction of Peptide

Peptides were designed from the amino acid sequences of the extracellular domains of C12orf59 isoform 1 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 and isoform 2 represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 2, which were order-made by Peptron Inc. (Daejeon, Korea). Each peptide sequence was identified as follows:

peptide A: (SEQ. ID. NO: 28) EENCGNPEHCLTTDWVH peptide B: (SEQ. ID. NO: 29) SWRPQPCCISSCCLTTDWVH <3-2> Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Cell Invasion

Inhibitory effect of the peptide prepared in Example <3-1> on colorectal cancer cell invasion was investigated.

SW480sub was subpopulation of SW480 having high in vitro invasion ability. The effect of each peptide on colorectal cancer cell invasion was analyzed using the said SW480sub. SW480sub cells were mixed with each peptide, followed by pre-incubation for 30 minutes. The cell/peptide mixture was then distributed in the upper chamber of transwell plate, while buffer was added to the lower chamber, followed by invasion assay.

Particularly, the porous membrane of 24-well transwell plate (8 μm pore size; Costar, USA) was coated with 100 μl of MATRIGEL (BD Biosciences, USA) diluted in serum free medium at the concentration of 250 μg/ml, which stood at room temperature for 1 hour for fixing. The lower part of the transwell plate was coated with 100 μl of collagen type I (Sigma) at the concentration of 20 μg/ml. The said collagen type I was used as a chemoattractant. 1×10⁴ cells resuspended in serum free medium were distributed in the upper chamber of the said 24-well transwell plate, followed by culture at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ for 48 hours, during which the cells were induced to migrate from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. The non-migrated cells were eliminated from the surface of the upper chamber. The cells migrated to the lower chamber were fixed with 3.7% paraformaldehyde dissolved in PBS, followed by staining with 2% crystal violet solution. The excessive crystal violet solution was washed off with distilled water. The selected area (×100) was photographed. The number of the cells migrated was counted from 5 different selected areas. Then, mean value and standard error were obtained.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, colorectal cancer cell invasion was reduced by 82% and 90% by peptide A and peptide B (100 μg/ml) respectively (FIG. 12).

<3-3> Confirmation of Colorectal Cancer Cell Survival

To investigate the effect of the peptide prepared in Example <3-1> on colorectal cancer cell survival, SW480 cells were mixed with each peptide and then distributed in 96-well plate coated with polyHEMA. 6 days later, cell survival was measured by colorimetric technique under the anchorage independent condition.

Particularly, 100 μl of poly-HEMA (Sigma) at the concentration of 12 mg/ml was loaded in 96-well plate, which stood in clean bench for 1 day, followed by drying. On the next day, the plate was coated with Poly-HEMA once again. Cells were distributed in the poly-HEMA coated plate by 100 μl/well (1×10⁴ cells/well). At that time, serum-free medium was used. 6 days later, 10 μl of CCK-8 reagent (Dojindo cat. CK04-13) was added to each well, followed by reaction for 3 hours. Then, OD₄₅₀ was measured.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, cell survival was reduced by 82% and 90% by peptide A and peptide B (100 μg/ml) respectively (FIG. 13).

Manufacturing Example 1 Preparation of Pharmaceutical Formulations

1. Preparation of Powders

C12orf59 or a fragment thereof 2 g Lactose 1 g

Powders were prepared by mixing all the above components, which were filled in airtight packs according to the conventional method for preparing powders.

2. Preparation of Tablets

C12orf59 or a fragment thereof 100 mg Corn starch 100 mg Lactose 100 mg Magnesium stearate  2 mg

Tablets were prepared by mixing all the above components by the conventional method for preparing tablets.

3. Preparation of Capsules

C12orf59 or a fragment thereof 100 mg Corn starch 100 mg Lactose 100 mg Magnesium stearate  2 mg

Capsules were prepared by mixing all the above components, which were filled in gelatin capsules according to the conventional method for preparing capsules.

4. Preparation of Injectable Solutions

C12orf59 or a fragment thereof 10 μg/ml Weak HCl BP until pH 7.6 Injectable NaCl BP up to 1 ml

C12orf59 protein was dissolved in proper volume of injectable NaCl BP. pH of the prepared solution was regulated as 7.6 by using weak HCl BP. The volume was adjusted by using injectable NaCl BP. The solution was well mixed and filled in 5 ml type I transparent glass ampoules. The ampoules were sealed by melting the glass of opening, followed by autoclave at 120° C. for at least 15 minutes for sterilization.

5. Preparation of Pills

C12orf59 or a fragment thereof   1 g Lactose 1.5 g Glycerin   1 g Xylitol 0.5 g

Pills were prepared by mixing all the above components according to the conventional method for preparing pills. Each pill contained 4 g of the mixture.

6. Preparation of Granules

C12orf59 or a fragment thereof 150 mg Soybean extract  50 mg Glucose 200 mg Starch 600 mg

All the above components were mixed, to which 100 mg of 30% ethanol was added. The mixture was dried at 60° C. and the prepared granules were filled in packs.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As explained hereinbefore, the C12orf59 protein or a fragment thereof of the present invention effectively inhibits cancer cell invasion and survival. Therefore, the C12orf59 protein or the polynucleotide encoding the same can be effectively used as a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer. In addition, the C12orf59 protein of the present invention can be effectively used not only for the prevention or treatment of cancer or for screening an agent for diagnosing or treating cancer but also for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cancer.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptions and specific embodiments disclosed in the foregoing description may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended Claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating cancer comprising administering to a subject having cancer an effective dose of a protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the protein or fragment thereof comprises at least residue numbers 10 to 17 of SEQ ID NO:
 28. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein or fragment thereof comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein or fragment thereof comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 2. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the treatment of cancer is accomplished by inhibiting cancer cell invasion.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein or fragment thereof comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 27. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein or fragment thereof comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 28. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein or fragment thereof comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 29. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein or fragment thereof consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 27, 28 or
 29. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein or fragment thereof consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 27 or
 28. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein or fragment thereof comprises an amino acid sequence (i) having at least 80% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29 and (ii) comprising said at least residue numbers 10 to 17 of SEQ ID NO:
 28. 